AKRON - LeBron James got to keep his victories on the basketball court despite a loss in the courtroom.

A judge Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit James filed challenging the Ohio High School Athletic Association's ruling that the prep superstar broke eligibility rules.

However, Summit County Common Pleas Judge James R. Williams' ruling included a provision that the OHSAA cannot force James' school, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, to forfeit any victories.

Last month, St. Vincent-St. Mary won its third state championship in James' four years and finished No. 1 in USA Today's national rankings.

OHSAA commissioner Clair Muscaro said the association will not challenge the judge's ruling.

The decision ''justifies that we do have an appeals process in place and it needs to be utilized first before any litigation is brought forth,'' Muscaro said.

James was declared ineligible by the OHSAA on Jan. 31 after he admitted he accepted two ''throwback'' jerseys worth $845 from a Cleveland clothing store. The association also forced St. Vincent-St. Mary to forfeit one game.

James won a court order Feb. 4 allowing him to complete his senior year.

''At this point from our end, it's over,'' said St. Vincent-St. Mary athletic director Grant Innocenzi. ''Unless the OHSAA pursues this, we'll take the forfeit and move on.''

James' attorney, Fred Nance, issued a statement praising Williams' ruling.

''The James family appreciates Judge Williams' careful consideration and disposition of the issues before him and are pleased that this matter has been concluded,'' Nance said.

''They are also grateful that LeBron had the opportunity to finish out the season with his teammates and lead them to a state championship in his senior year with dignity.''

St. Vincent-St. Mary finished with a 25-1 record, with the only loss being the OHSAA-mandated forfeit to Akron Buchtel. James also served a two-game suspension during the regular-season, imposed by Williams.

In his latest decision, Williams ruled that the OHSAA had offered ample ways for James to regain his eligibility short of court action.

James, the consensus player of the year and expected No. 1 pick in this year's NBA draft, was investigated by the OHSAA twice during his senior season.

The association also looked into James' mother's purchase of a Hummer H2 for her son's 18th birthday. The family was cleared of any wrongdoing.